Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  THE BEST CAR ON THE ROAD - 1997 Honda Accord
  By JTHOMAS - July 9 - 10:13 pm

  MY HONDA ACCORD LX IS THE BEST CAR I HAVE OWN. IT HAS A 2.3 ENGINE. I GOT IT MAY OF 1999 WITH 29920 MILES ON IT AND NOW I HAVE 110,000 MILES ON IT. AND I DID NOT TUNE IT UP UNTIL 100,000 MILES ON IT. AND IT DOES NOT USE OIL AND I DO NOT CHANGE OIL BUT EVERY 7500 MILES.IT HAVE NEVER GIVEN ME ANY PROBLEMS.

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  I may buy two! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Snake - July 9 - 10:10 am

  My 2008 Honda Accord continues to impress me every time I start the engine. There is an amazing comfort level with this car. Comfort based on the quality and attention to detail Honda efficiently packs into this newly reclassified full size car. Talk about your bang for a buck, you get it with the Accord. From the overall exterior styling, the leather interior, dashboard, moon roof, engine, wheels, tires, and even the trunk you get nothing less than quality. I am extremely happy with my purchase and because I hate to share this car with the wife I am now scrambling to realign my budget to make a move on the coupe or maybe just another sedan.

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  Surpised by how much I like this SUV! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Blissful - July 9 - 7:40 am

  After driving GMC Yukons for 12 years, I down-sized to a CRV. I researched for months and considered about a dozen vehicles. When I compared to my "must-have" list, the CRV was the winner. I love the roomy interior. Its peppy and truly fun to drive. With less than 500 miles on it, Im getting over 30mpg on the highway with an overall average of 26 mpg.

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  The Ultimate Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By Andrea Thomas - July 9 - 3:26 am

  Excellent performance, dependibility, excellent gas milage, smooth ride, excellent stiring, really big inside, excellent flooring, washable seats, I traded a Mercedes E300 for this SUV and I am very happy. I think this is the best SUV around. Rides just as good as the Mercedes ML300. Thank you Honda for making such a wonderful product.

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  Very happy with my 2007 Civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Eric - July 7 - 3:20 pm

  I bought my 2007 Civic EX manual in December 2006. The car is a pleasure to drive: impressive acceleration for a 4-cyl naturally aspirated engine, tight handling and quick response. The car gives you confidence when you drive. The exterior design is modern and attractive, and the interior is surprisingly roomy and has a solid feel to it. The seats are comfortable and it can seat 4 comfortably, 5 in a pinch. The mileage has improved with each fill up. In the city I got 25, then 27, and now 28; on the one long trip I took I averaged 36 mpg. My only complaints are the thin paint that chips off easily and the engine whine sound. Overall, I am very happy with my new Civic and recommend it!

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  just driving is fun - 2005 Honda Accord
  By wayne woodall - July 7 - 8:53 am

  The Honda Accord is a very easy car to drive. I am a older man and have a gut but the seat allows me to adjust for real comfort. The peppy response is great in traffic and makes you think it is a sports car. My fuel mileage is getting better now that I have 27k plus miles. The built in fuel calculator shows on the road mileage of 28 mpg regularly and when I drive a lot in the city it is usually around 24-25 mpg.

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  Fuel economy is exceptional - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Helen P. - July 6 - 10:53 pm

  Have purchased 09 Fit Sport (auto). Never feel any regrets to have it. With 500 miles on it and the fuel economy is exceptional: 39/44.5/42.5 - Hope (and believe) to get new MPG of 40/48/45 pretty soon. Would recommend this new (2009) Fit to anyone who really like the big saves.

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  No brainer......its a Honda - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Van Sinclair - July 6 - 4:06 pm

  Tried to decide between this Honda and a Mazda 6. I made the right decision. The build quality is far superior over the Mazda. Gas mileage is great and the 160 hp motor does fine in traffic and on the highway. Dont make a mistake and buy something else.

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  Back up carmera - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Eyra - July 6 - 9:46 am

  I didnt have to get the NAV to get the back up camera. It can be installed separately. It is even better because the camera is in the rear view mirror.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jbeck - July 6 - 6:43 am

  I bought this car from a Honda dealer, used with 26k miles, and have been very happy. Most impressive aspect has been the solid build quality. Car is very tight with no squeaks or rattles. Awesome interior. Mine is completely loaded with nav and everything feels silky smooth.......like a car costing a lot more than what I paid(20k). But nothing is perfect, the airbag light was on, dealer fixed this under warranty at no cost. Lighted steering wheel controls would also be nice(this was fixed in 05). And I hear this car is tough on front brake pad/rotors. Rotors covered under warranty. Overall, great car for the price. Very reliable so far and the voice activated nav is awesome. Go buy one!